Kristle Bashford, ARM, CSM
Halifax,NS
Summary
Senior Manager with 24 years of proven experience, specializing in enhancing payment collection and reconciliation efficiencies. Demonstrated success in improving cash flow and reducing financial risks. Expertise in operational strategy and financial management, leading teams to achieve high productivity and efficiency. Proficient in communication and problem-solving, driving organizational success through effective leadership.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, Accounts Receivable
Purolator Courier Inc.
Halifax, NS
11.2022 - 02.2025
- Oversaw Accounts Receivable operations totaling over $400 million annually, contributing to a 33% reduction in DSO in one year.
- Implemented and enforced quality control measures, markedly decreasing error rates by utilizing a systematic reporting approach to detect potential revenue loss associated with rebilling credits.
- Facilitated development and enforcement of credit policies that minimized financial risks and enhanced cash flow.
- Managed Accounts Receivable functions through an SAP ERP transition, ensuring operational continuity.
- Deployed diverse AI tools to enhance cross-functional efficiency for ad hoc processes.
- Consistently de-escalated complex and high-risk situations through effective communication and problem resolution.
- Directed operations of departments with 65 employees (4 direct reports) through strategic guidance, goal establishment, task assignment, and performance evaluation.
- Enhanced credit adjustment processes to accelerate turnaround, conserving 300 minutes per week, per employee.
- Provided strategic direction to departmental heads regarding resource allocation decisions.
- Screened, performed interviews, and integrated candidates into various Accounts Receivable positions.
- Encouraged cooperative efforts, and upheld standards of accountability.
- Oversaw and negotiated vendor contracts and renewals.
- Collaborated with sales, marketing, financial excellence, and contract administration leadership teams to advance several finance projects concurrently.
Supervisor, Collections
Purolator Courier Inc.
Halifax, NS
01.2020 - 11.2022
- Developed long-term relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Coached collection team of 30 (two agencies and one in-house) on proven methods to elevate workflow and productivity, emphasizing standardization of follow-up and escalation processes, along with segmentation of receivables portfolio for further engagement.
- Approved write-off and third-party collection referrals.
- Evaluated candidates through interviews and hiring processes.
- Approved write-offs and third-party referrals.
- Facilitated weekly one-on-ones and regular business reviews for all employees.
- Coached and mentored team members, driving skill development and engagement.
- Executed performance reviews to evaluate employee achievements and growth areas.
Supervisor, Credit Adjustments
Purolator Courier Inc.
Mississauga, Ontario
01.2015 - 02.2020
- Managed and optimized everyday operations within department.
- Oversaw staffing schedules and levels to meet demands of volumes and workflows as appropriate.
- Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and accuracy of workflows.
- Trained new employees on company policies, job duties, and performance expectations.
- Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
- Collaborated with IT to design ticketing system utilizing Salesforce, fostering enhanced transparency for client requests among internal stakeholders and improving reporting effectiveness.
Team Lead, Contract Implementation
Purolator Courier Inc.
Mississauga, Ontario
07.2010 - 03.2015
- Executed all SAP contract requests, serving as final control point for rate implementation.
- Created employee benchmarks and metrics to maintain ongoing alignment with employee and departmental targets, MOM.
- Interviewed and onboarded new employees.
- Designed training resources and delivered engaging training sessions for new hires.
- Assisted in testing new product rollouts using SAP.
- Address billing discrepancies, decreasing departmental credits by 2% year over year.
- Prioritized and delegated tasks for four management professionals.
- Opened SIRs for issues and proposed solutions for fixes.
- Conflict resolution liaison.
Sales Coordinator/National Accounts Associate
Purolator Courier Inc.
Mississauga, Ontario
04.2001 - 10.2009
- Account/contract maintenance, and creation of contract renewals/proposals for the sales team.
- Managed billing inquiries, credit/debit adjustments, and processed credit card payments on National accounts, generating over $250k in revenue.
- Updated and distributed weekly sales reports to management.
- Maintained filing system.
- Completed competitor cost analysis.
- Facilitated Dunn and Brad prospecting for Sales Representatives
Education
Certification - Customer Success Management (level 2)
Success Hackers
12-2025
Certification - Customer Success Management (Level1)
Success Hackers
11-2025
ARM Certification - Accounts Receivable Management
IOFM
Portland, ME03-2025
Skills
- Process improvement and project management
- Talent development and customer success
- Influencing and negotiation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Accounts receivable management
- Microsoft 365 proficiency
- Salesforce expertise
- Reporting oversight
- SAP ERP management
- Problem resolution strategies
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Change management principles
- Self-motivation
- Emotional intelligence
Timeline
Senior Manager, Accounts Receivable
Purolator Courier Inc.
11.2022 - 02.2025
Supervisor, Collections
Purolator Courier Inc.
01.2020 - 11.2022
Supervisor, Credit Adjustments
Purolator Courier Inc.
01.2015 - 02.2020
Team Lead, Contract Implementation
Purolator Courier Inc.
07.2010 - 03.2015
Sales Coordinator/National Accounts Associate
Purolator Courier Inc.
04.2001 - 10.2009
Certification - Customer Success Management (level 2)
Success Hackers
Certification - Customer Success Management (Level1)
Success Hackers
ARM Certification - Accounts Receivable Management
IOFM